Food storage systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a multi-chambered sandwich bag that keeps food components fresh until they are ready to be consumed. The bag can include an outer sleeve having a first outer layer and a second outer layer, and an inner sleeve having a first inner layer and a second inner layer. The respective side edges of the first and second outer layers can be coupled to one another, sealing the sides of the outer sleeve. The bottom edges of all four layers (the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer) can be removably coupled to one another. By being removably coupled, the bottom edges can be separated from one another. This allows a user to remove the inner sleeve and join the contents of the inner sleeve with the contents of the outer sleeves.

BACKGROUND

Sandwich bags are relatively straightforward in their design: a single sleeve, or bag, with an optional closure along one edge that temporarily seals the bag. Although effective at shielding food from liquid or other contaminants, the common sandwich bag has major drawbacks as well.

One weakness of the conventional sandwich bag is the inability to separate components of a sandwich. In a typical situation, a person might make a sandwich at night or in the morning, place the sandwich in a bag, and leave the bag and sandwich in a refrigerator until lunch. A typical sandwich will include two pieces of bread, which are dry, and fillings or condiments between the bread, which are sometimes moist. Examples of fillings include luncheon meat, tomatoes, avocados, mayonnaise, mustard, and so on. In the time that elapses between making the sandwich and eating it, the bread absorbs moisture from the fillings and becomes soggy. By the time the person is ready to eat the sandwich, it can have an undesirable consistency.

A common solution to the problem described above is to package the bread and the fillings separately, such as by using separate bags or other containers. While this solution avoids the issue soggy bread, it requires additional work on the user's behalf. When the person is ready to eat, they have to remove the ingredients and reassemble the sandwich. Reassembly can be messy and time consuming, and also requires multiple bags or containers.

As a result, a need exists for an improved sandwich bag that provides multiple chambers—such that the bread and toppings of a sandwich each stay separated and fresh—but also allows a user to quickly assemble the sandwich without removing the bread and fillings from the bag.

SUMMARY

Described herein are various embodiments of an improved food storage system and related methods. In one embodiment, a multi-chambered sandwich bag is provided. The bag can include an outer sleeve having a first outer layer and a second outer layer. Each outer layer can have a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge. The bag can also include an inner sleeve having a first inner layer and a second inner layer. Each inner layer can have a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge. The respective side edges of the first and second outer layers can be coupled to one another, sealing the sides of the outer sleeve. The bottom edges of all four layers (the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer) can be removably coupled to one another. By being removably coupled, the bottom edges can be separated from one another. This allows a user to remove the inner sleeve and join the contents of the inner sleeve with the contents of the outer sleeves.

Various mechanisms can be used for removably coupling the bottom edges of the bag. In one example, a decoupling tab is positioned along the bottom edges of the various bag layers. When operated, the decoupling tab can separate the bottom edges of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer, from one another. The decoupling tab can be a pull-tab, in one example, that removes a portion of material from one or more of the layers. The pull-tab could be designed for one-time use, similar to pull-tabs used on plastic packaging. The pull-tab can connect to a strip of reinforced plastic that runs along, or proximate to, the bottom edges of the layers. When the pull-tab is pulled, the reinforced plastic strip can be pulled from the layers, separating the layers from one another.

In another example, the layers of the bag can include perforations to assist a user in separating the layers from one another. For example, each of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer can include perforations running parallel and proximate to the bottom edge of each layer. The perforations can be aligned with each other, such that the user can grasp the corner of the bottom edges and tear the bottom edges off in one motion. In some examples, the perforations can be included on the sides of the bag, in addition to (or instead of) along the bottom edges of the bag.

In other examples, the layers of the bag can be removably coupled to one another using interlocking plastic strips. For example, the bottom edges of the outer layers can include interlocking plastic strips designed to pinch the bottom edges of the inner layers and interlock. The user can assemble the food components in the multiple chambers and, when ready to eat, disengage the interlocking plastic strips, releasing the bottom edges of the inner and out layers. The inner layers can then be removed, joining the food into one chamber.

The top edges of the first and second out layers can be removably coupled to one another in a typical fashion, such as by a sliding zipper or interlocking plastic strips. The first and second inner layers need not be coupled to the outer layers at their top edges, because they will eventually be removed. In some examples, the first and second inner layers can be removably coupled to each other, forming a closed inner bag within the outer bag.

In another embodiment, a method is provided for making a multi-chambered sandwich bag. The method can include providing an outer sleeve having a first outer layer and a second outer layer, each outer layer having a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge. The method can also include providing an inner sleeve having a first inner layer and a second inner layer, each inner layer having a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge.

The example method includes joining the respective side edges of the first and second outer layers to one another. Any type of method can be used to join the respective edges, such as fastening, using a glue or epoxy, melting the edges together, or using ultrasonic vibration to join the edges. The method further includes removably coupling the bottom edges of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer to one another. These edges can be removably coupled to each other using any method that allows a user to later separate the layers from one another.

In one example, removably coupling the bottom edges includes installing a decoupling tab that, when operated, decouples the bottom edges of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer. The decoupling tab can be a pull-tab, in one example, that removes a portion of material such as a reinforce plastic strip from one or more of the layers, causing them to separate. The decoupling tab can also be a slider that slices through the layers as it slides across them. In another example, removably coupling includes providing perforations extending along one or more edges of the various layers. The perforations can allow a user to tear off the edges of the bag, releasing the layers from one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example layer of a sandwich bag.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an example sandwich bag having food in multiple chambers of the bag.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an example sandwich bag having a pull-tab release mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an example sandwich bag having a slider-based release mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an example sandwich bag having perforations proximate to edges of the bag.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example method of making a multi-chambered sandwich bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments consistent with the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Described herein is a multi-chambered sandwich bag that keeps food components fresh until they are ready to be consumed. The bag can include an outer sleeve having a first outer layer and a second outer layer, and an inner sleeve having a first inner layer and a second inner layer. The respective side edges of the first and second outer layers can be coupled to one another, sealing the sides of the outer sleeve. The bottom edges of all four layers (the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer) can be removably coupled to one another. By being removably coupled, the bottom edges can be separated from one another. This allows a user to remove the inner sleeve and join the contents of the inner sleeve with the contents of the outer sleeves.

Although the food-containment device disclosed herein is referred to as a “sandwich bag,” that terminology is not intended to be limiting in any way. For example, the food-containment device can be used for any type of food or non-food matter that could benefit from the multi-chambered design disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 provides an illustration of an example layer 100 of a sandwich bag. This single layer 100 is described herein, and the descriptions applicable to the layer 100 are equally applicable to the various layers described through this disclosure (e.g., the first and second outer layers and first and second inner layers). The layer 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes two side edges 110, 120, a bottom edge 130, and a top edge 140. The layer 100 also includes a strip 150 proximate the top edge 140. The strip 150 can be shaped to interlock with a matching strip 150 from a corresponding layer 100. For example, a bag can include two outer layers 100, with each outer layer 100 including a strip 150 that interlocks with a matching strip 150 of the other layer. The matching strips 150 can interlock by pressing the strips 150 against one another, either by hand or via a closure device such as a slider.

The layer 100 can be made from any type of material that would prevent contamination of food within a bag. For example, the layer 100 can be made from a plastic, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and/or polystyrene (PS). The layer 100 can be made pliable or rigid throughout, or have a combination of both.

FIG. 2 provides a side-view illustration of an example sandwich bag 200 with food in three separate chambers. The bag 200 includes various layers 210, 212, 214, 216 that form sleeves and associated chambers. For example, the bag 200 includes a first outer layer 210 and a second outer layer 212 that together form an outer sleeve. The first and second outer layers 210, 212 can be joined or coupled to one another in a variety of locations and using a variety of methods. When the outer layers 210, 212 are joined or coupled to one another along one or more of their respective edges, each joined or coupled area can be considered a “seam.”

For example, a seam can be formed by joining or coupling layers 210, 212, 214, 216 to one another by using one or more fastening devices, a glue or epoxy, melting the edges together, using ultrasonic vibration to join the edges, or any other known method for joining plastic objects to one another. A seam can include more than two layers 210, 212, 214, 216. For example, the side edges of all four layers 210, 212, 214, 216 depicted in FIG. 2 can be joined or coupled to one another in a seam associated with each set of side edges.

FIG. 2 also includes a first inner layer 214 and second inner layer 216, together forming an inner sleeve. The inner layers 214, 216 can be joined to one another in a variety of locations and using a variety of methods, similar to those described with respect to the outer layers 210, 212. In some examples, the inner layers 214, 216 and outer layers 210, 212 are coupled to one another in one or more locations. For example, a bottom seam 220 can couple the four layers 210, 212, 214, 216 to one another along their respective bottom edges, and a top seam 230 can couple the layers 210, 212, 214, 216 to one another along their respective top edges. One or more seams or coupled locations can include removable couplings. Examples of removable couplings are described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 3-5.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer layers 210, 212 and inner layers 214, 216 can form multiple chambers that keep food in each chamber separate from the food in other chambers. In the example of FIG. 2, two pieces of bread 240 have been placed in the outer chambers between the first outer layer 210 and first inner layer 214, and second outer layer 212 and second inner layer 216, respectively. In the central chamber, which is formed between the first and second inner layers 214, 216, a variety of fillings 250 are depicted. The fillings 250 can be any type of food or other object, but in FIG. 2 the fillings 250 consist of luncheon meat, lettuce, and a tomato. Fillings 250 can also include toppings such as mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, and so on. In one example, any components of a sandwich with a high moisture content are placed in the central chamber, and the “dry” components of the sandwich are placed in the outer chambers.

FIG. 3 provides an illustration of a sandwich bag 300 having the components of a sandwich 310 within the bag 300. Along the two side edges 110, 120, the outer layers of the bag 300 are coupled to one another and the inner layers of the bag 300 can be coupled to one another. In some examples, the inner layers are not coupled to outer layers along the side edges. In those examples, the inner layers can be removed entirely from the bag if the bottom edges 130 of the inner layers are decoupled from the outer layers, as described below.

The layers can be removably coupled to one another in a location proximate the bottom edges 130. In the example of FIG. 3, the bottom edges of the layers are removably coupled via a reinforced plastic strip 340. The reinforced plastic strip 340 can be a thicker strip of material that is the same, or similar, to the material used to make the layers of the bag 300. The plastic strip 340 can join some or all of the layers, sealing the bag 300 until the plastic strip 340 is removed.

The plastic strip 340 can be removed by engaging a pull tab 330. In some examples, the pull tab can be an extension of the plastic strip 340 or a portion of the plastic strip 340 that is not attached to any layers. A user can grip the pull tab 330 with his or her fingers and pull it, ripping the plastic strip 340 from the bag 300. With the plastic strip 340 removed, the bottom edges 130 of the various layers are no longer attached to one another. The inner layers can then be removed from the bag 300 if their upper edges are not coupled to any portion of the outer layers.

In some examples, the upper edges of the inner layers can be removably coupled to the upper edges of the outer layers. In the example of FIG. 3, two sets of interlocking plastic strips 350, 360 are shown along the top edges of the bag 300. In some examples, the first set of interlocking plastic strips 350 removably couples the first and second outer layers to one another. Similarly, in some examples, the second set of interlocking plastic strips 360 removably couples the first and second inner layers to one another. In another example, the first or second set of interlocking plastic strips 350, 360 removably couples all of the outer and inner layers to one another.

To use the functionality of the bag 300, a user can insert sandwich components into the chambers described with respect to FIG. 2, then seal the first and second sets of interlocking plastic strips 350, 360. When the user is ready to consume the food in the bag 300, he or she can access the pull tab 330 and remove the reinforced plastic strip 340 along the bottom edge of the bag. The user can then decouple the sets of interlocking plastic strips 350, 360. With the inner layers decoupled from the outer layers, the user can pull the inner layers from the bag, joining the contents of the center chamber with the contents of the outer chambers. The user can then remove the assembled sandwich from the bag 300 for consumption.

FIG. 4 provides an example illustration of a sandwich bag 400 that includes an alternative mechanism for decoupling the removably coupled layers of the bag 400. As opposed to the pull tab disclosed in FIG. 3, the bag 400 of FIG. 4 includes a slider 410 and a slide track 420. The slider 410 can slide back and forth across the slide track 420, where sliding the slider 410 in one direction opens the slide track 420 and sliding the slider 410 in the opposite direction closes the slide track 420. The slide track 420 itself can function as a zipper, in one example, or as interlocking plastic strips in another example. Both the slider 410 and slide track 420 can be made from any of the plastic types listed above.

To use the functionality of the bag 400, a user can insert sandwich components into the chambers described with respect to FIG. 2, then seal the first and second sets of interlocking plastic strips 350, 260. When the user is ready to consume the food in the bag 400, he or she can access the slider 410 and slide it across the slide track 420. The user can then decouple the sets of interlocking plastic strips 350, 360. With the inner layers decoupled from the outer layers, the user can pull the inner layers from the bag, joining the contents of the center chamber with the contents of the outer chambers. The user can then remove the assembled sandwich from the bag 400 for consumption.

FIG. 5 provides another example illustration of a sandwich bag 500 that includes a different mechanism for decoupling the removably coupled layers of the bag 500. In the example of FIG. 5, one or more edges of the layers of the bag 500 can include perforations. The perforations can include any combination of holes, slots, or other features that weaken the material along a particular perforation line. The user can tear along the perforations by hand, decoupling layers from one another. In some examples, only one set of edges include perforations. For example, if the side edges 110, 120 of the inner and outer layers are not coupled to one another, then only the bottom edges 130 need to be removably coupled via perforations 530. In that example, tearing the perforations 530 decouples the bottom edges 130 and allows the user to remove the inner layers from the bag 500.

In another example, the side edges 110, 120 of the inner and outer layers are coupled to one another, and therefore the bag 500 can include perforations 510, 520 along those sets of side edges 110, 120 in addition to the perforations 530 along the bottom edges 130. To remove the inner layers from the bag 500, the user can tear the perforations 510, 520, 530 along all three edges 110, 120, 130, decoupling the various layers along those edges 110, 120, 130. The user can then decouple the interlocking plastic strips 350, 360 and remove the inner layers from the bag 500. In some examples, the bag 500 can include perforations 540 proximate the top edges 140 of the layers, allowing the user to decouple those edges 140 by tearing the perforations 540.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example method of making a multi-chambered sandwich bag. Stage 610 of the method can include providing a first outer layer and a second outer layer, each outer layer having a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge. This stage can further comprise joining the two layers together in one or more locations. In one example, the first and second outer layers include interlocking plastic strips along their respective top edges, with each interlocking plastic strip configured to engage the other and form a moisture-proof seal.

Stage 620 of the method can include providing a first inner layer and a second inner layer. Each of the first inner layer and second inner layer can include a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge. The first and second inner layers can further include interlocking plastic strips along their respective top edges. The interlocking plastic strips can be configured to interlock with one another and/or interlock with the plastic strips of the first and second outer layers.

Stage 630 of the method can include joining the respective side edges of the first and second outer layers to one another. The first and second outer layers can be joined to one another by using one or more fastening devices, a glue or epoxy, melting the edges together, using ultrasonic vibration to join the edges, or any other known method for joining plastic objects to one another.

Stage 640 of the method can include joining the respective side edges of the first and second inner layers to one another. Similar to the outer layers, the first and second inner layers can be joined to one another by using one or more fastening devices, a glue or epoxy, melting the edges together, using ultrasonic vibration to join the edges, or any other known method for joining plastic objects to one another.

Stage 650 can include removably coupling the bottom edges of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer to one another. This stage can include joining the bottom edges together using methods similar to those used with respect to the side edges, and then adding a mechanism that allows a user to decouple the bottom edges.

In some examples, this stage can include applying a reinforced plastic strip proximate the bottom edges of the layers along with a pull tab connected to the reinforce plastic strip. When the pull tab is pulled, the plastic strip can be ripped from the bag. With the plastic strip removed, the bottom edges of the various layers are no longer attached to one another.

In another example, this stage can include providing a slider and slide track proximate the bottom edges of the layers. The slider can slide back and forth across the slide track, where sliding the slider in one direction opens the slide track and sliding the slider in the opposite direction closes the slide track. The slide track itself can function as a zipper, in one example, or as interlocking plastic strips in another example.

In yet another example, this stage can include providing perforations proximate to the bottom edge. The perforations can include any combination of holes, slots, or other features that weaken the material along a particular perforation line. The user can tear along the perforations by hand, decoupling the various layers from one another.

Though some of the described methods have been presented as a series of steps, it should be appreciated that one or more steps can occur simultaneously, in an overlapping fashion, or in a different order. The order of steps presented are only illustrative of the possibilities and those steps can be executed or performed in any suitable fashion. Moreover, the various features of the examples described here are not mutually exclusive. Rather any feature of any example described here can be incorporated into any other suitable example. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A three-chambered sandwich bag, comprising: an outer sleeve having a first outer layer and a second outer layer, each outer layer having a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge; and an inner sleeve having a first inner layer and a second inner layer, each inner layer having a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge, wherein the respective side edges of the first and second outer layers are coupled to one another, and wherein the bottom edges of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer are removably coupled to one another.
 2. The sandwich bag of claim 1, further comprising a decoupling tab positioned along the bottom edges of the respective layers, wherein operating the decoupling tab decouples the bottom edges of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer.
 3. The sandwich bag of claim 2, wherein the decoupling tab is a slider that separates interlocking plastic strips.
 4. The sandwich bag of claim 2, wherein the decoupling tab is a pull-tab that removes a portion of material from one or more of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer.
 5. The sandwich bag of claim 1, wherein each of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer, include perforations such that the bottom edges of the respective layers can be removed by tearing along the perforations.
 6. The sandwich bag of claim 5, wherein the perforations extend along at least one side edge of each of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer, such that tearing along the perforations removes the respective side edge from the layers.
 7. The sandwich bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom edges of the first outer layer and second outer layer are removably coupled via interlocking plastic strips, and wherein the bottom edges of the first inner layer and second inner layer are removably coupled via interlocking plastic strips.
 8. The sandwich bag of claim 1, wherein the top edges of the first and second outer layers are removably coupled to one another.
 9. The sandwich bag of claim 1, wherein the top edges of the first and second inner layers are removably coupled to one another.
 10. A method of making a multi-chambered sandwich bag, comprising: providing a first outer layer and a second outer layer, each outer layer having a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge; providing a first inner layer and a second inner layer, each inner layer having a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge; joining the respective side edges of the first and second outer layers to one another; joining the respective side edges of the first and second inner layers to one another; and removably coupling the bottom edges of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer to one another.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein removably coupling the bottom edges comprises installing a decoupling tab that, when operated, decouples the bottom edges of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the decoupling tab is a slider that separates interlocking plastic strips.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the decoupling tab is a pull-tab that removes a portion of material from one or more of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein removably coupling the bottom edges comprises forming perforations proximate the bottom edges of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming perforations proximate to at least one side of each of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein removably coupling the bottom edges comprises interlocking plastic strips of at least two of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer.
 17. A multi-chambered sandwich bag, comprising: an outer sleeve having a first outer layer and a second outer layer, each outer layer having a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge; and an inner sleeve having a first inner layer and a second inner layer, each inner layer having a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge, wherein respective sets of side edges of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer are removably coupled to one another, and wherein the bottom edges of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer are coupled to one another.
 18. The sandwich bag of claim 17, wherein each set of side edges of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer comprise a decoupling tab that decouples the respective side edges.
 19. The sandwich bag of claim 18, wherein the decoupling tab is a pull-tab that removes a portion of material from one or more of the first outer layer, second outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer.
 20. The sandwich bag of claim 17, wherein the respective sets of side edges include perforations proximate the side edges, such that tearing along the perforations removes the respective side edges from the layers. 